That camaraderie is what the Calgary Flames are hoping will help Matt Stajan and his wife, Katie, cope with the tragic loss of their newborn son last week.

“It’s such a devastating blow to everybody that’s close to them. They were so excited (to be parents),” Flames winger Brian McGrattan said after Monday’s morning skate.

“What happened to them, 99% of us will never be able to relate to, but we can be here as great teammates and great friends — be there for support. We have a tight-knit group that has each other’s back.

“He’s a big part of our team, a big part of everybody’s life in here, so whatever they need, we’re there,” added McGrattan, who, along with his wife, Michelle, went on a vacation with Matt and Katie Stajan during the Olympic break.

“Everybody thinks we’re different because we’re professional athletes. But we’re all human, too. And life hits us like it hits everybody else. Unfortunately for Staje, something happened none of us will probably ever go through.”

The Stajans’ son, Emerson, was born March 3 and passed away soon after.

Stajan has been away from the team for more than a week.

“I know players have talked to him also, and the wives are taking great care of Katie. It’s very sad — very sad,” said Flames head coach Bob Hartley.

“You can see there’s not much we can control and also a reminder that this is just a game. I told Matty that hockey is non-existing right now, and whenever he’s ready to come (back), it’s his call.

“We’re gonna wait for him, but absolutely, there’s no timetable.”

Unfortunately, all the Flames can do is offer their support to the couple.

“Michelle has been there quite a bit with Katie,” said McGrattan of his wife. “I’ve been around for a little bit now, and on this team, all the wives and girls are very close. It’s kinda rare from what I’ve seen. They’re all friends, everyone gets along, and they hang out all the time when we’re on the road. I’m pretty sure they’ve all been getting together and helping out whatever ways they can.

“Everyone is a big family.”

McGrattan and Flames captain Mark Giordano did visit with their teammate late last week.

Most of the others are prepared to do what they can to lend a hand.

“Tough news to get — we have a pretty close-knit group, and Matt and his wife, Katie, are very respected people,” said Flames veteran Michael Cammalleri. “I don’t really know what to say other than it’s tragic news for all of us, and we have been and continue to do our best to support them in whatever they need, and we’re there for them any way we can be.

“For us, (hockey and life) are intertwined. You make these relationships through hockey and have these great friendships. It’s really hard to see a friend go through something like that. It’s tragic.

“I know a lot of people in this world go through tragedy and have friends who have dealt with tragedy. All we can do is support them.”